Sign In
Register
Help
Posted 19 March 2009 - 10:36 PM
Q2. (Judges 8:24-27) What does Gideon ask for his reward? Was Gideon wrong to take a reward? Where did the sin begin?
The footnote in my Bible says "His intent was to show himself thankful for this victory by restoring religion, which because it was not according as God had commanded, turned to their destruction."
I find it hard to think that Gideon would refuse the kingship because he knew it belonged to God, to sin in this way. However the Israelites who wanted him king seemed to want to turn anything into an idol and worship it instead of the true God. I wonder if we have learned anything from this. Our propensity for idols in our lives. Very tragic!
God Bless!!
Jen
Numbers 6:24-26
Q2. Gideon's Share of the Plunder
MultiQuote
#62
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 22
- Joined: 06-June 09
Posted 07 July 2009 - 03:52 AM
QUOTE (Pastor Ralph @ Feb 7 2003, 05:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Q2. (Judges 8:24-27) What does Gideon ask for his reward? Was Gideon wrong to take a reward? Where did the sin begin?
1. Gideon asks for an earring from the plunder.
2. No, Gideon was not wrong to take a reward, as this was the custom in those days to be paid.
3. The sin came in when Gideon made an idol of the gold. Money is not wrong, but when we love it above God then it becomes an idol in our lives.
#63
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 10
- Joined: 16-August 09
Posted 11 September 2009 - 12:16 PM
What does Gideon ask for his reward? Was Gideon wrong to take a reward?
Gideon asks for earrings as a reward. As we receive money today for completing a job, the asking/receiving of a reward of itself is not wrong, it's just a system of exchange for survival.
Where did the sin begin?
Judg 8:27
27 Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.
(from New International Version)
Since Gideon has just turned down the opportunity to become king, it seems a small possibility that he made the ephod for the express purpose of causing all to sin by worshipping it. Throughout the old testament, monuments/markers are built to God's glory & victory; wells, walls, simple stones are named after God's mighty acts. The ephod could quite possibly have started out as this for everyone. But, it's interesting that the fall of the nation is mentioned first and THEN it became a snare to Gideon. I think the issue comes about when focus is left on what God did yesterday, instead of renewing our faith in what God can do today. Gideon didn't start out worshipping the ephod but as time goes on & he sees others still applauding his efforts, it's easier for him to live off the glory of past achievements & not pursue a relationship with God this minute, and that's when he is "caught."
Gideon asks for earrings as a reward. As we receive money today for completing a job, the asking/receiving of a reward of itself is not wrong, it's just a system of exchange for survival.
Where did the sin begin?
Judg 8:27
27 Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.
(from New International Version)
Since Gideon has just turned down the opportunity to become king, it seems a small possibility that he made the ephod for the express purpose of causing all to sin by worshipping it. Throughout the old testament, monuments/markers are built to God's glory & victory; wells, walls, simple stones are named after God's mighty acts. The ephod could quite possibly have started out as this for everyone. But, it's interesting that the fall of the nation is mentioned first and THEN it became a snare to Gideon. I think the issue comes about when focus is left on what God did yesterday, instead of renewing our faith in what God can do today. Gideon didn't start out worshipping the ephod but as time goes on & he sees others still applauding his efforts, it's easier for him to live off the glory of past achievements & not pursue a relationship with God this minute, and that's when he is "caught."